Parallel play is when young children play side by side, often with similar toys, without directly playing together. It is a normal stage, most noticeable around 2 to 3 years, in which toddlers learn by watching and copying each other.
Key takeaways
- It is one of the stages of play described by sociologist Mildred Parten.
- Toddlers are not being antisocial; they are learning from each other.
- It gradually leads to playing together.
What you can do
- Offer enough similar toys to reduce conflict.
- Let toddlers play near each other without pushing them to share.
- Describe what each child is doing to spark interest in the other.
